Traveling Ireland Without a Car: How to Get Around

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When I was planning a trip to Ireland for ten days with friends, I was worried about getting around the country without a car. No one in my group was old enough to rent a car yet, so we needed to plan a trip where we were traveling Ireland without a car.

However, I quickly realized that getting around Ireland without a car was much easier than I expected. We were able to go to five different cities plus the Cliffs of Moher using trains, buses, and a one-day tour.

Keep reading to learn about your options for traveling to Ireland without a car and just how easy it is.

Last updated: July 23, 2026

Published: March 13, 2024

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Traveling Ireland Without a Car: Overview

Traveling around Ireland without a car is easier than many people expect. The country has a reliable network of trains and buses connecting the major cities, and guided day tours make it easy to visit places that are harder to reach by public transportation.

Here are the best ways to get around Ireland without renting a car:

• Train: Best for traveling between major cities like Dublin, Cork, Galway, Belfast, and Limerick.
• Bus: The most affordable option and the best way to reach smaller towns and attractions.
• Guided Tours: Perfect for visiting places like the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry, and Giant’s Causeway without worrying about transportation.
• Domestic Flights: Useful for longer journeys but generally unnecessary for most travelers.

If you’re planning your first trip, I recommend combining trains between cities with a few guided day tours. That’s exactly how I traveled around Ireland, and I never felt like I needed a rental car.

When Do You Need a Car in Ireland?

For many travelers, you don’t need a car to explore Ireland. If you’re planning to visit major cities like Dublin, Cork, Galway, Belfast, or Limerick, you can easily get around using trains and buses. Guided day tours also make it simple to visit popular attractions like the Cliffs of Moher, the Giant’s Causeway, and the Ring of Kerry without driving yourself.

However, renting a car is worth considering if you want to explore more remote parts of the country. Scenic routes like the Wild Atlantic Way, the Dingle Peninsula, and parts of County Kerry are much easier to visit with your own vehicle, giving you the freedom to stop at viewpoints, beaches, and small villages along the way.

For a first trip to Ireland, I recommend combining trains or buses between cities with a few guided day tours. It’s an easy, affordable way to see many of Ireland’s highlights without worrying about driving on the left side of the road or navigating narrow rural roads.

All Aboard: Traveling Ireland by Train

For most first-time visitors, I recommend traveling around Ireland by train. It’s comfortable, scenic, and one of the easiest ways to travel between Ireland’s major cities without renting a car.

Whether you’re going from Dublin to Cork or taking a leisurely trip along the coast to Galway, the train makes sure you feel relaxed and ready to explore.

Here are some tips for enjoying train travel in Ireland:

• Book tickets in advance. Train tickets are usually cheaper when booked ahead of time, especially during the busy summer months. I recommend comparing schedules and prices on Omio before your trip.
• Use Irish Rail for travel between major cities. Trains connect destinations like Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, and Belfast, making them one of the easiest ways to travel across Ireland.
• Consider a rail pass. If you plan to visit several cities, a rail pass may save you money compared to buying individual tickets.
• Check the timetable before you travel. Some routes have fewer departures than others, particularly on weekends and holidays, so it’s worth checking schedules in advance to avoid long waits.
• Sit by the window. Some of Ireland’s train routes pass through beautiful countryside and along the coast, making the journey part of the experience.

While trains are excellent for traveling between cities, they don’t reach every destination. Places like the Cliffs of Moher, Dingle Peninsula, and many smaller villages require a bus, guided tour, or rental car for the final part of the journey.

The Open Road, minus the Driving: Ireland’s Bus Network

Buses are the best option for reaching places that trains don’t. They’re affordable, reliable, and connect many smaller towns, castles, and attractions across Ireland. My friends and I took buses to places like Blarney Castle and even from the Dublin airport to Cork.

The two main companies you’ll use are Bus Éireann, which operates routes throughout the country, and Expressway, which connects many of Ireland’s major cities. You can compare routes, prices, and book most intercity bus tickets through Omio before your trip.

Local buses allow you to discover hidden gems off the beaten path for a more authentic experience. Most buses have space for luggage, making them practical for travelers with more than just a backpack.

It’s essential to plan ahead since schedules and routes vary. The Transport for Ireland website and apps are helpful for real-time updates and planning. If you’re visiting smaller towns or rural attractions, check the return timetable before you leave. Some routes only run a handful of times each day, especially outside the summer season.

Bus fares are generally reasonable, with single-journey tickets and multi-trip cards available for savings. The Leap Card, a pay-as-you-go card, is accepted on various public transportation services in cities like Dublin, Cork, and Galway, offering flexibility and discounts.

Group Tours: The Easiest Way for Traveling Ireland Without a Car

For many travelers, guided tours are the easiest way to visit Ireland’s most famous attractions without renting a car. They’re especially helpful for destinations that are difficult to reach by public transportation, like the Cliffs of Moher, Ring of Kerry, and Giant’s Causeway.

Group tours cover various interests, from city walks in Dublin to visits to remote coastal areas. They’re designed to make the most of your time, showing you many attractions and providing insights you might miss on your own.

You can find tours for a single day or longer, visiting famous places like the Cliffs of Moher or the Ring of Kerry. These tours often include transportation, entrance fees, and sometimes meals.

Booking ahead is smart, especially during busy times, to make sure you get a spot on the tours you want. Look for tours with small groups, good inclusions, and reputable companies for the best experience.

Viator is the best website for booking tours in Ireland, offering a wide range of hassle-free options to explore the country.

If you’re only visiting Ireland for a week or less, I recommend combining trains between cities with a few guided day tours. That’s exactly what I did, and I never felt like I missed having a rental car.

Flying High: Inter-City Travel by Plane in Ireland

For most trips, you won’t need to fly within Ireland. Trains, buses, and guided tours are usually more convenient, especially if you’re visiting the country’s most popular destinations. However, domestic flights can save time if you’re traveling between Northern Ireland and the southwest or have limited time.

For example, flying from Dublin to Cork only takes about 45 minutes, much faster than the three-hour train ride. There are also flights to smaller regional airports, giving you access to more remote and scenic areas.

Airlines like Aer Lingus and Ryanair offer flights between major cities. It’s smart to book tickets early for better prices and to make sure you get a seat on the flight you want.

Remember that while flying is fast, you’ll need to consider the time it takes to get to and from airports, as well as check-in and security.

Unless you’re trying to cover a long distance in a short amount of time, I’d recommend sticking with trains and buses instead. They’re often just as convenient and let you enjoy more of Ireland’s scenery along the way.

Traveling to Ireland Without a Car Is Easy!

Before my trip, I was worried that not renting a car would limit where I could go. Instead, I found that traveling around Ireland without a car was surprisingly easy. Between trains, buses, and a few guided day tours, I was able to visit multiple cities and some of Ireland’s most famous attractions without any major issues.

For most first-time visitors, I recommend combining trains between major cities with buses and guided tours for destinations that are harder to reach. It’s an affordable, stress-free way to explore the country without worrying about driving on unfamiliar roads.

Whether you’re planning a long weekend or a two-week adventure, you can have an incredible trip to Ireland without ever getting behind the wheel.

Ready to start planning? Here are some of my favorite Ireland travel guides.

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Traveling Ireland Without a Car FAQs

Can You Travel Around Ireland Without a Car?

Yes. Ireland has an extensive network of trains and buses that connect the country’s major cities and many smaller towns. Guided day tours also make it easy to visit popular attractions like the Cliffs of Moher and the Ring of Kerry without renting a car.

Is It Better to Travel Ireland by Train or Bus?

It depends on where you’re going. Trains are generally the fastest and most comfortable option between major cities, while buses reach many destinations that trains don’t serve, making them a better choice for smaller towns and rural areas.

Is Ireland Easy to Visit Without Driving?

Yes. If you’re visiting places like Dublin, Cork, Galway, Belfast, or Limerick, you can easily rely on public transportation. Many first-time visitors combine trains, buses, and guided tours instead of renting a car.

Do You Need a Car to Visit the Cliffs of Moher?

No. You can reach the Cliffs of Moher by bus from nearby towns or by joining a guided day tour from cities like Dublin or Galway. Many visitors choose a tour because transportation is included.

Should I Rent a Car for My First Trip to Ireland?

If you plan to stick to Ireland’s major cities and famous attractions, you likely won’t need a rental car. However, if you want to explore scenic drives like the Wild Atlantic Way, the Dingle Peninsula, or smaller villages at your own pace, renting a car offers more flexibility.